Author's note: trololololol! fun with plot holes! And because avoiding "misunderstandings" that are crucial to the plot is silly.

~back to the story~

It was supper time, and Inuyasha was scowling at the two mikos from across the room. Kagome had just informed Kaede of all what had happened that day, as seen through her eyes.

"Kaede-sensei, I've been meaning to ask you..."

"What is it?"

"Since Inuyasha's freedom was regarded as such a grave decision, why have you allowed him into your home?"

"He's no trouble, as all you must say is sit and he will be subdued by the rosary."

"I see." A short pause. "And speaking of that holy rosary, if Inuyasha's freedom was such a grave concern, why did you not use said rosary on Mistress Centipede before I released the boy?"

Kaede blinked. 'Perhaps she, too, had no idea?' The thought flashed across Kagome's mind.

"And why was Inuyasha sealed to the tree? If he is a simple Jewel thief, why was he not killed, as the Centipede beast was?"

"My sister... lacked the strength."

"Feh. I'm just soooo powerful, she couldn't kill me!"

"Do you need to be reminded that she kept you out of commission for fifty years?" Kagome said without filtering her thoughts.

"Shut up!"

"You can leave out the door, or else I'll force you down through the floor."

"Please don't, unless you plan on fixing my poor floor. There's enough damage already."

The three glared at each other.

"Well, Inuyasha-san?"

"Well, what?"

"Do I get to hear the rest of the story in peace or are you condemning me to learn carpentry?"

"Feh."

"He'll be quiet." the old woman said confidently. Or maybe with a forced confidence? "It is a simple story, girl. Inuyasha attacked my sister, stole the Jewel, and tried to run away. Kikyou-nee-sama stopped him. That's all there is to it."

"I attacked her? Is that what she told you? After ambushing me?" Inuyasha yelled.

"The plot sickens." Kagome thought aloud again.

"What was that?" Inuyasha snapped.

"Never mind."

"And what did YOU say, you cheeky brat?" Kaede had dropped a pot on Inuyasha's head.

"OW!"

"Ambushing you? My sister? Don't make me laugh."

"It's the truth!"

"Perhaps I can believe both of you," Kagome piped up. "If Kikyou laid a trap, and Inuyasha attacked her after it failed, neither story is a lie."

"My sister would never do such a thing."

"I didn't attack her!"

"Fantastic progress we're making."

"Shut up!" And Inuyasha left the room and disappeared into the night.

"...You might be more trouble than Inuyasha..."

"Perhaps."

The old woman glared at her. Kagome decided she had tried her luck long enough, and decided to do something to avoid being thrown out of the old woman's house. "Though back to the matter at hand, I must say your story bears more weight. It is unlike a miko to lay a trap of any kind."

"Indeed."

"Still, Inuyasha's behavior is troublesome."

"He's always been troublesome like that."

"... I see."

And the two exchanged no more words the rest of the night.

'Always, was it?' Kagome pondered as she tried to fall asleep. 'So he isn't just a simple Jewel thief.'